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The Cardinals are down to one preseason game. And by now, there probably isn’t much to determine. In fact, it’s tough to get past the words of Darnell Dockett going into this one: “You always want to play preseason games and make sure everyone gets out healthy,” Dockett said, and obviously, with Jonathan Cooper, that didn’t happen. “I’ve never been a fan of preseason games. I understand the games because young guys are trying to get on rosters and this might be their big chance, so I’m all for it. But guys who have to play 16 regular-season games … my biggest thing is getting out healthy.”

That’s why quarterback Carson Palmer may not play, and why I’m sure the Cards will be careful with what they do tomorrow night.

All that said, Bruce Arians did say there was still “four or five” roster spots still up for debate. The positions he named were the back end of wide receiver, safety, cornerback, tight end and offensive line. He didn’t name names, and that’s where the speculation comes in. At receiver, for instance, Kerry Taylor has worked hard for this team and is a smart guy. But Mike Thomas, the newbie vet, has the speed Arians so covets. At safety, can special teamer Jonathon Amaya hold off Tony Jefferson or big Curtis Taylor? Tight end is a very interesting spot too. Veteran Jeff King hasn’t been able to get on the field much, and Arians wants to see him play. When the offseason started I assumed he would be here, but with his balky knee, I’m not so sure anymore — not that the Cards have overwhelming options elsewhere.

That’s the thing about guessing about the 53-man roster (which I will attempt to do later today). It’s hard to know what a new GM and a new coach really like to do. It’s hard to know what they think about raw players like G Earl Watford and TE D.C. Jefferson, guys who probably aren’t ready to help right away but guys who may not make it through waivers to put on the practice squad.

— With RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) and TE Rob Housler (ankle) sitting out practice yesterday, I’m sure that would basically rule them out. I am guessing there might be a couple other guys sitting as precautionary, but it did seem like the Cards are fairly healthy right now, all things considered.

— I don’t expect to see major Broncos players, like Peyton Manning. Doesn’t matter whether it was Mike Shanahan or John Fox as coach in Denver, the QB never seems to play that last preseason game.

— Arians has a press conference scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday. Not sure if cuts will come by then or not (teams must be to 53 by Saturday afternoon) but regardless, whatever this 53-man roster is on Saturday, I will be surprised if it is still the 53-man roster on Tuesday, after waiver claims and the like. Arians said he would probably warn “two or three” players that their spot on the 53 could change into a practice squad spot by Thursday. It’s the reality of the business.

— And as we have said many times, this team is is going to churn the roster. Director of media relations Chris Melvin is going to be a busy man putting out new bio after new bio this season, methinks.

— UPDATE: The game, no matter what your TV guide says, will be live on Ch. 15 ABC Thursday. Pregame starts at 5:30 p.m.

— It’s good to know Tyrann Mathieu’s eyebrow is coming back. Time to end the preseason.

Never been a fan of the preseason games, but it is necessary to view them as a rehearsal for the new and potential players… so I watch with edgy anticipation hoping no one gets hurt… The unspoken problem with these games is the intensity of some of the players, especially on defense. This is obviously why most of the primary players are not permitted to be targets for a vicious hit by someone trying to make a statement to move to the 53-man roster. A good player can be taken out by someone who will not make a roster.

Actually since the new CBA and all the restrictions on practices, with only two padded practices (still no contact and not full dress) the preseason is the only time the team will get to play REAL rules, with real full dress, in real time, under the lights in a competition setting with real fans and the pressures thereof. It comes as no surprise that some players aren’t big fans of the job as it is reflected in their work. This is actually a very exciting time to see the young players compete on the national stage and even for players who won’t make the cut, it offers fans an opportunity to see what’s out there in the event there is a need to pick up someone at a future date. The preseason is like everything in life in that it’s all in how you look at it. For those enthusiasts who just know the big names and don’t pay attention to the bigger picture, I suppose they may find this final preseason gamet a little lack lusture as the “stars” don’t play.For many of us, it is a glimpse of things to come and a very significant game for young rookies hoping to get their NFL dream secured by making the 53. This is a time when all of the young players will be getting tape for their resume. We always hope everyone can make it out of the game without injury but this is football, and as a sports commentator said last week, “you can’t legislate safety in football, it’s the nature of the beast”. Good look to all against Denver! GO CARDS!

Nick, I agree with you, but I think we have to learn to be patient this year and not push the panic button if things don’t go real well right at first.
If somehow we can be 2-1 after 3, I think we can then be 4-1 after 5, and then just see how things play out in that brutal 4 game stretch (games 6-9)

wins will always be no.1,but we need to show improvement each week,to show that we’re eliminating mistakes and coming together,we have to be a better team at the end of the season than in the beginning.the light will come on and the game slow down for the young guys,too bad coop will miss much of this but maybe one of the other guards breaks out,how cool would that be.

hoping for some surprises along the way,good ones,like maybe okafor making an impression or the passing game coming alive,the secondary living up to petersons expectations,tyrann getting off or the ground game becoming a weapon.

everytime i read somebodys choices for roy,dpoy,mvp or whatever,i think,why not us,we have players that could do that and that would go a long way to making this season special.

Nick, I know what you mean. I have you beat a little bit. I say since’67 but really more like ’60 when they went to St. Louis. (actually before that, sort of). Gets hard sometimes, but I really feel we are on the right track this time. Keep the faith.

Looking forward to the opener on September 15, my wife and I love flying down from Oregon for the games, we love our club seats, section 240 row 1, We love the great people who work in the club section, they are always friendly and kind. Some of the employees have been working in the club since the team moved to Glendale! We are very pleased with the changes management has made to improve this team and recently extended our contract by three years.

Well, after this Bronco game, it appears that Keim and Arians have a very difficult decision with the Ryans… Against a 2nd team defense, Lindley looked as if he was the 2nd place QB except for one short deep pass that could have been 6 points. He looked good enough for a roster spot… maybe even to compete for the 2nd slot?.. He must have eradicated the demons of last season…Good arm!!

Ryan Williams has never look as good while on this team. He did not appear scared of getting injured and ran with authority and some T-fortitude!!!

It’s good to see that some of these decisions are difficult; that means there are some good players in the mix… Arians said that making the 53 does not really mean a roster spot. They could still be cut to make room for other players that are released from other teams. I am confident that some of the Cards cuts will be picked up by other teams. They will know that these players have developed some character under the Cards new mgmt… Be well… The RAMS are the only target now!!!

I forgot to mention… If your cable or satellite company does not have the games on channel 15 ABC, you can get it in most areas of the bigger cities by tuning your TV to the antenna air transmission. If you have a digital tuner (most TV’s have them now), all you have to do is select “antenna” then scan and you are in. You may need an antenna, most newer TV’s do not; the cable acts as an antenna. Now, if you have the old analog TV, go to Walmart and get the converter and you’re good to go….Be well….Lovin’ the Cards – Team Arians/Keim…